Landscaping Rules in Lima, OH (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Lima, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Lima caps grass and weeds at 8 inches. The owner or occupant must keep the premises and exterior property free from grass and/or weeds in excess of eight inches, or the City can cut and bill them.
Grass and Weed Height Limit in Lima
Some RestrictionsLima Codified Ordinances 1806.09(A)
The owner or occupant of any premises shall maintain such premises and exterior property free from grass and/or weeds in excess of eight inches.
Tree Trimming
Branches of shade or ornamental trees on private property may not grow within 16 feet of the street grade. Lower-hanging branches are declared a nuisance, and the abutting owner must remove them.
Trimming Trees That Overhang Lima Streets
Some RestrictionsLima Codified Ordinances 1806.13
The branches of all shade or ornamental trees located on private property within the corporate limits shall not be allowed to grow nearer than 16 feet to the line of the established grade of the street.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Lima declares damaged, dead, diseased, or insect-infested trees a nuisance. Once the Code Official notifies you, the offending tree or parts must be removed within 60 days of service.
Removing Dead or Diseased Trees in Lima
Some RestrictionsLima Codified Ordinances 1806.18(a)
Damaged, dead, diseased, or insect-infested trees, or parts thereof, are hereby declared to be a nuisance, and no person shall permit the same to exist or remain on private property.
Weed Ordinances
Beyond the 8-inch height limit, Lima requires premises free of all noxious or harmful weeds and vines. The Code Official orders cutting within five days; Ohio law (ORC 731.51) mirrors this notice process.
Noxious Weed Rules in Lima, Ohio
Some RestrictionsOhio Revised Code 731.51(A)
Upon written information that noxious weeds are growing on lands in a municipal corporation, and are about to spread or mature seeds, the legislative authority shall cause a written notice to be served... that they must be cut and destroyed within five days after the service of such notice.
Water Restrictions
Lima has no standing lawn-watering ban or odd/even schedule. The City's Utilities Department draws on roughly 15 billion gallons of reservoir storage, so outdoor watering is unrestricted absent a declared shortage.
Lawn Watering Rules in Lima, Ohio
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Lima has no ordinance banning or licensing residential rain barrels. Ohio law allows private rainwater collection; the state plumbing code governs any indoor or potable rainwater plumbing connection.
Rainwater Harvesting in Lima, Ohio
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
Lima has no ordinance banning native or naturalized landscaping. Cultivated flowers and gardens are exempt from the weed rules, but any planting must still meet the 8-inch height and noxious-weed limits.
Native and Natural Landscaping in Lima
Some RestrictionsLima Codified Ordinances 1802 (Weeds definition)
"Weeds" are all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees, shrubs and cultivated flowers and gardens.
Artificial Turf
Lima has no ordinance specifically permitting or banning artificial turf in residential yards. It is not covered by the weed/grass height rules, but front-yard installations may need zoning and building review.
Artificial Turf Rules in Lima, Ohio
Some RestrictionsComposting
Lima has no ordinance banning backyard composting. A tidy compost pile is allowed, but rotting, odorous, or rubbish-strewn accumulations can be cited as a nuisance under the Property Maintenance Code.
Backyard Composting Rules in Lima
Some RestrictionsLima Codified Ordinances 1806.01
All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
Looking for Allen County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lima city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Allen County →